Published: December 1, 2021
Rating: T
Writer: Greg Pak
Penciler: Leonard Kirk
Colourist: Alex Sinclair
Letterer: VC’s Joe Caramagna
Cover Artist: Aaron Kuder & Richard Isanove
The synopsis;
RED REVENGE!
LADY QI’RA not only insulted the EMPIRE but challenged it, too. In the end DARTH VADER showed her criminal organization the Empire is not to be toyed with. But now fearful whispers echo in every corner of the Empire – Darth Vader is on the hunt, searching for anyone with any connection to the criminal organization known as Crimson Dawn. How deep has Crimson Dawn infiltrated and is it worth the wrath of Vader?
The review;
In a classic comic cover look, Darth Vader stands resolute whilst a squad of TIE Fighters fly in formation in the background, creating a clever geometric pattern. Vader’s mission in this issue is to bring order to the galaxy, and Kuder’s cover captures that perfectly. Meanwhile Lashley’s variant is fuelled with action, as Vader leaps into the fray in a hero pose, easily dodging crimson blaster bolts. Poe Dameron then takes centre stage on Sprouse’s anniversary variant, kneeling down to have a catch up with his loyal droid BB-8, based on the same scene from The Force Awakens.
Seeds of dissent have been planted by the criminal cartel known as Crimson Dawn, and their members are terrorising the galaxy in search of allies or funds. Having disgraced the Empire and infiltrated the Imperial ranks, Darth Vader is determined to crush the cartel so that he may restore order. For order is his purpose at the Emperor’s side, but chaos is everywhere and his Master is doing nothing to stop it.
When Obi-Wan Kenobi faced Anakin Skywalker on the fiery fields of Mustafar, the fallen Jedi Knight announced that he’d brought peace and security to his new Empire. Now, over two decades later, Darth Vader watches as the Emperor brews chaos and punishes the loyal. This was not the order he was promised, and Pak plays with this as Vader considers his mission. What can Darth Vader do to bring order to the galaxy once more?
That’s what fuels the Sith Lord on throughout Darth Vader #18, as he targets the criminal organisation Crimson Dawn. The cartel is working against the efforts of the Empire and under the leadership of Qi’ra they’re growing too bold and too strong. This is where the issue really takes quite an unusual turn as it jumps from planet to planet, showing the influence of Crimson Dawn, usually for the worse as they extort smaller populations in the Outer Rim. Anyone who doesn’t bow to the Crimson rule is wiped out.
Of course, there are those who rebel against the harshness of Crimson Dawn, which is what Vader takes advantage of. In many stories he’s simply the iron fist, delivering swift justice. But it’s clear that Pak hasn’t forgotten there’s the mind of a general underneath that helmet, and Vader uses some clever tactics to bring together the assassins and Revengers attempting to resist Crimson Dawn. Yes, you read that right – the Revengers. Either it is total coincidence or Pak just sneaked in a nod to Marvel’s Thor: Ragnarok.
With all the planet hopping, Kirk really gets to play with the artwork, and it is a feast for the eyes. There are new aliens, some with tentacles and creepy eyes, others that are humanoid parrots. Creating new species is never easy, as they still have to feel like Star Wars, yet Kirk has done a fantastic job mixing new elements with familiar designs. There’s also a very powerful insectoid assassin who actually seems reminiscent of the samurai Beetle from Kubo & the Two Strings. It’s not just the characters though, as the locations are just as fantastic, especially the action sequence on Calior – shout out to colourist Alex Sinclair for making the grass fields purple!
Perhaps one of the cleverest parts of Darth Vader #18 is how Crimson Dawn’s circle insignia is incorporated into each of their supporters somehow. Some wear it openly, others hide it. And they share a motto as a code-phrase. It feels clandestine and quite sinister.
Darth Vader #18 is really going back to the start of this series by Pak, with characters returning who have unfinished business with the Sith Lord. It will be really interesting to see the Handmaidens again, as Vader’s haunting by Padmé is definitely worth exploring more. With cartels, handmaidens and assassins all thrown together, who knows what’s in store for Darth Vader #19!
Availability;
Star Wars: Darth Vader (2020) #18 was published December 1, 2021 by Marvel Comics. This issue retails at $3.99 and is available via The Marvel App and from all good comic book stores.
